6 May 2017
Hordes gather for national safety conference
More than 1 000 people today attended the safety conference of AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria. The purpose of this safety conference was to discuss national security mechanisms between communities, the state and the private sector in order to combat crime, with the theme Let’s make our streets safe.
Yusuf Abramjee, social and anti-crime activist, said in his address at the conference that it is time to meet, unite and organise a mass march against crime. “It's time to wake up the government and break our silence. Do not be afraid. We as South Africans are tired of blood, corpses and bullets,” said Abramjee.
Mosiuoa Lekota, former Defence Minister and leader of COPE, said that South Africa did not have the necessary leadership and control, and that crime had an impact on everyone in the country: “We have a president who does not respect the constitution. The examples he [Pres. Jacob Zuma] sets, are poor.” Lekota also emphasised that South Africa belongs to all, irrespective of race, and that cooperation is needed to make a difference.
Solly Msimanga, Mayor of Tshwane, said that safety was a concern and a top priority for the metro. He also referred to investors and said that for South Africa’s economy to grow, the country needs to be safe for citizens as well as for investors.